The Charm of French Style

Evoke the joys of a languid afternoon spent with a friend in France and set your own table with The Charm of French Style. Today I'm sharing a pretty and easy French inspired table, it combines all the joie de vivre and formal/casual "mix it up" style my French girlfriends are so adept at creating. If this past year has taught us nothing else, it's to savor the splendor of every moment. And to cherish every single memory and lock it in our hearts. For me, almost nothing beats sitting at a pretty table with a person {or more of them!} that I love and enjoying a small meal, laughing, sometimes crying, as we share our lives. {meaning me, with a friend - Mr. FGH doesn't cry much when I tell him something that touches my heart!} Welcome to our beloved Monday Morning Blooms. Shirley isn't able to join us this time, but as a special treat we have a guest joining our flower therapy today! We're excited to welcome Sarah of Hyacinths for the Soul as our guest. I know you will love her as much as we do! Be sure to visit her, Mary and Pam by clicking on the links at the bottom of this post. Honestly, I've missed gathering people around my table more than anything else during this time, I think. You too? This table works just as well for your immediate family as it will, later, when larger gatherings are once again de rigueur.

FIVE TIPS FOR CREATING A TABLE SETTING WITH THE CHARM OF FRENCH STYLE.

TIP ONE: Flowers are a must.

If you have been a subscriber and/or reader for a while, then you know that for me, flowers are always a must have for any table setting. French friends always, always, always have fresh flowers on their table. It can be a lush bouquet {and it usually is, flowers aren't expensive in France} or just one or two single blooms in a glass bottle. I made two arrangements for my table, since I couldn't choose between spray roses, miniature French carnations, and beautiful sea lavender in two colors.

TIP TWO: Use Unusual Containers.

While a proper "vase" is always in style, it's so much more fun to use something else to hold your flowers! For my first bouquet I used an antique French enamelware coffee pot, with a sweet pink rose design on the front. For the second floral arrangement for this table, I used an antique French pudding mold, because I loved the shape of the ridges on it. I taped the top off with our clear floral tape in a grid, to allow the flowers to stand.

TIP THREE: Mix textures.

For this table, I was inspired by the way my French friends set their tables at home. They don't worry too much about layering an antique linen with new pieces, so neither did I. I began with an antique French sheet, then layered these sumptuous pink velvet round placemats. How gorgeous are these? I wish you could feel them, because they are so soft. The ruffled linen napkins are a perfect combination.

TIP FOUR: Mix and Match Flatware.

I used two pieces with mother-of-pearl handles and a spoon that is part of my Mom's silver that I inherited. Like my French friends, I say "flatware is very happy mixed together, and actually makes your whole table setting much more interesting."

TIP FIVE: Keep to a monochromatic color scheme.

French style can be a riot of colors, but more often it is a study in classic, elegant monochromatic design. My table has a neutral base with the French antique sheet in flax, then I added the soft dusty pinks of the placemats and the napkins. The flowers are also in monochromatic colors of pinks, highlighted by my Lenten roses that I had left over. My flowers :

• Dianthus Caryophyllus {Miniature French Carnations}
• Limonium {Pink & Purple Sea Lavender}
• Pink Spray Roses
• Matthiola Incana {Stock}
• Helleborus Orientalis {Lenten Rose}

Whether you are setting a table just for your immediate family, or later, for a group of people you adore - follow these easy tips to set a beautiful table with The Charm of French Style. Have flowers! Even if it's only one single bloom in a little glass, or a big beautiful bouquet or two, like I did today. One of the joys of life is sharing a delicious meal {bought or home-made} with your friends and family. Thank you so much for joining me today. Please Visit my friends by clicking on their links below:

SARAH of Hyacinths for the Soul

PAM of Everyday Living

Mary of HomeIsWhereTheBoatIs

and me, LIDY of FrenchGardenHouse.

A BIENTOT

Shop for the best in French Antiques, furniture with the patina of age, vintage accessories to delight you and your family & friends, and French Country utilitarian pieces. Treasures that make your home fresh, beautiful, inspirational and above all uniquely yours. Visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.com ________________________________________________________________________